Are you a sun poisoning or a sunburn? Know the difference

You may not feel like you’re stepping in due to the heat, but you can’t completely ignore the sun. And if your skin consumes too much sunscreen and sun-protecting clothes, you can get sunburned. Aside from the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, UV light from artificial sources like sun tanning beds can also lead to red, painful, damaged skin. Exposure to the unprotected sun can also lead to sun addiction, which may feel and appear in the beginning. So are there two different skin problems?

What is sunburn?

This is a type of skin damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or by artificial things like sunburn beds. A study published in Statpearls shows that sunburn is experienced by more than a third of the population each year. If unprotected skin absorbs too much UV rays, it can turn red, inflamed and painful. “Suntan is essentially an inflammatory response to direct DNA damage to skin cells,” says dermatologist Dr. Sunita Naik.

What is Day Poisoning?

It is not a medically defined skin condition, but is used to describe the form of severe sunburn caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. “It is often used to describe sunburns with symptoms such as nausea, headache, dehydration, fever, chills, dizziness, and even rashes,” experts say. It reflects the body’s extreme response to too many sunlight exposures and can resemble an allergic reaction or a fever-related illness.

Sunburn and sunburn: What’s the difference?

Both sunburn and sun addiction are attributed to the sun’s excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, but there are some differences.

1. conditions

Sunburn is a superficial skin condition caused by ultraviolet rays. It leads to redness, pain, and sometimes ablation, and usually remains localized to the skin. Solar addiction, although not a clinical term, refers to a more serious response to the sun. It includes symptoms such as nausea, headache, fever and chills, along with skin damage.

2. period

Sunburn usually lasts for 3-7 days, depending on the severity level. Symptoms of solar poisoning can often last longer over a week, especially when systemic symptoms such as dehydration and fever are involved.

3. Risk factors

Both common risk factors include regular exposure to skin with UV protection, swimming in the sun, and a history of sunburn. Additional risk factors for solar addiction include taking tetracyclines that increase photosensitivity. According to a study published in dermatology, tetracycline, a wide range of antibiotics used to treat infectious and skin problems, can lead to a photosensitive response, as antibiotics used to treat infectious and skin problems.

Sunburn and sunburn: symptoms

These are the symptoms of sunburn and sun addiction:

Sunburn symptoms (affects the skin only):

• Redness and inflammation
• It feels warm and hot to the touch
• Pain and kindness
• Once the damaged skin sinks, peel it after a few days

Symptoms of solar poisoning (affect both the skin and the whole body):

Symptoms can start with a red rash and proceed as follows:

• According to Harvard Health Publishing, the blister shows double burns.
• Nausea and vomiting due to dehydration or thermal fatigue
• Fever and colds similar to flu-like symptoms
• Headache, often dehydration results
• Dizziness or fainting from electrolyte imbalance
• Rash, nest box, or bumps filled with small liquids

“In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially if the organ begins to respond to overheating or dehydration,” says Dr. Naik.

Solar addiction vs. tanning: How to treat them?

Both conditions protect the skin from further exposure to UV rays and start with cooling the affected area, but treatment varies based on severity and symptoms.

Sunburn treatment (usually manageable at home):

• Apply cold compression or take it cold, but not in a cold bath. It soothes the skin and treats sunburn.
• Use aloe vera gel, a hydrating lotion, or calamine lotion to moisturize and cool your burns.
• Drink plenty of water to combat mild dehydration.
• To reduce inflammation and discomfort, take over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen (if prescribed or recommended by your doctor).
• Avoid wearing tight clothes and do not leave the sun until your skin is soothed.

Daily addiction treatment:

Apart from choosing sunburn treatment, you may also need to:

• Oral or intravenous fluid to correct severe dehydration
• Rash, itching, or hive antihistamines
• Topical or oral corticosteroids for severe inflammation

When will you see the doctor?

It is important to meet your doctor:

• Risk of infection: Blisters, especially if they break, can lead to bacterial infections. “If you notice pus, yellow skin, or swelling, this can mean that your skin is infected and needs treatment,” experts say.
• Dehydration and fever-related illnesses: Symptoms such as dizziness, dry mouth, and nausea are signs of dehydration. If not treated, this can lead to more serious complications such as heat fatigue and heat strokes.
• Systemic symptoms require consultation from a doctor. If symptoms exceed the skin and include fever, chills, or vomiting, you should see a doctor. IV fluid and steroids may be required.
• Underlying Health Conditions: People who are receiving certain medications, such as those with antibiotics or photosensitive problems, may have an exaggerated response to sunlight exposure and may require personalized medical care.
• Lack of improvement: If your tan doesn’t improve or appears to be getting worse within a few days, doctors may need to intervene.

Sun poisoning not only affects the skin, but also causes severe sunburn. It can lead to severe skin damage and can also cause systemic symptoms.